Cunha expresses heartfelt emotion following his dream transfer to Manchester United

When Matheus Cunha steps onto the pitch for his home debut at Manchester United next season, the stadium will feel surprisingly familiar. It’s as if he has been gracing Old Trafford for years.

Just a day after United formally announced his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the vibrant forward shared his childhood dream of playing for the prestigious club, growing up in the Brazilian coastal city of João Pessoa.

“It’s difficult to put into words what this club means to me,” remarked the 26-year-old in an interview with United’s in-house media.

“My home didn’t have the channel to watch the Premier League, nor did my cousin’s.

“Only at my grandmother’s place could we catch the games, so we made it a point to go there every weekend.

“This club has always been part of me.

“When I played with my cousin, whether on the streets, at the beach, or on the gravel pitch, we called those fields ‘Old Trafford.’ Can you imagine?

“It’s surreal to be here now, reflecting on my past—it’s incredibly emotional for me.”

Last season, Cunha netted 15 Premier League goals for Wolves and recently contributed to Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, assisting in a critical 1-0 victory against Paraguay.

His move to Manchester has raised eyebrows, especially after United’s disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League, leaving them without any European competition next season.

However, he noted that the club and its legendary figures have left an indelible mark on him.

“It’s tough to articulate because I remember the entire squad from the time I began following the club,” he explained.

“Up front, there was (Wayne) Rooney, wow. I believe I share many qualities in my game with him, as I always strive to give my all.

“I recall that he wore the No. 10 shirt, and everyone admired his skills, but he offered so much more. He would dive for the ball; that kind of passion was a significant inspiration for me.”

“Then there’s (Cristiano) Ronaldo, who’s well-known, and Ryan Giggs. Everyone remembers them.

“I can envision the team starting with (Edwin) Van der Sar in goal, then Rio Ferdinand and (Nemanja) Vidić in defence, alongside Paul Scholes and (Michael) Carrick.

“That team truly shaped my teenage years.”

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